Degree must be accompanied by commitment to serve humanity: Nadda

Eighth Convocation of Swami Rama Himalayan University held
my uttarakhand news Bureau

DEHRADUN, 14 Feb: The eighth Convocation ceremony of Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, was held with dignity and grandeur in the presence of Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Minister for Chemicals & Fertilisers Jagat Prakash Nadda as the Chief Guest and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami as the Guest of Honour.

Extending his greetings to the 1001 students who received degrees from various faculties on this occasion, Nadda said that a convocation is not merely an academic milestone but the beginning of a new journey in life. He emphasised that along with a degree must come the responsibility of human development and accountability towards society. He remarked that the coming 25 years of Amrit Kaal would be decisive years in building a developed India, during which today’s youth would not only be witnesses but also key contributors and leaders. He called upon the graduates to utilise their education for the welfare of humanity, the poor and those standing at the last rung of society.

Nadda appreciated the leadership of University President Vijay Dhasmana, stating that the institution is setting new benchmarks in the fields of human service, medical care and education. He highlighted India’s strong and stable economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, significant achievements in the health sector, the Ayushman Bharat scheme, improvements in maternal and infant mortality rates, progress in the elimination of tuberculosis, malaria and diarrhoea, and initiatives such as early detection of cancer.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated all the degree recipients and said that the youth of Uttarakhand constitute the State’s greatest strength. He observed that Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) has established a distinct identity in the fields of education, healthcare and public service. He noted that under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, telemedicine initiatives and the expansion of healthcare services in hilly regions, the State has received remarkable cooperation from the Union Government and the Union Health Minister.

Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third decade for Uttarakhand, the CM stated that development works are being carried out in alignment with that concept. He spoke of reverse migration, firm decisions taken to protect the State’s water and forests, extension of road, electricity and internet connectivity to remote areas, growth in tourism, improvement in SDG rankings, fisheries development and positive changes in the rural economy. He urged students to utilise their knowledge, skills and sensitivity in nation-building so that compassion, humanity and service are clearly reflected in their actions.

State Education and Health Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat claimed that Uttarakhand is performing better at every level in the health sector, from human resources to infrastructure, and that the State has consistently received exemplary support from the Union Government for the development of healthcare facilities. He appreciated the contribution of the SRHU in strengthening the health sector in Uttarakhand.

University President Vijay Dhasmana described the education as not merely the acquisition of a degree but a means of self-realisation, empowerment and transformation. He stated that the institution’s primary focus is to provide better healthcare services through human service and ethical values.

During the ceremony, degrees were conferred upon 1001 students from the faculties of Medical Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, Nursing, Management, Engineering, Yogic Sciences and Biosciences. As many as 31 students received academic awards, two students were honoured with the Swami Rama Best Graduate Award, and 14 scholars were conferred PhD degrees.

On the occasion, the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) was formally launched online. As the University has received an A+ grade from NAAC, the courses conducted under CDOE are entitled by UGC, ensuring recognised and quality online education for students.

The programme also showcased the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. Among those present on the occasion were Member of Parliament Trivendra Singh Rawat, Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt, Vice-Chancellor Rajendra Dobhal, members of the management, faculty, parents and a large number of students.